Plot: What’s it about?
This film has a very simple premise and there’s much in terms of details, but don’t think this is a dull picture, as it isn’t. So if this synopsis seems flat or too simplified, just trust me and know that the flick itself is much more, I just don’t want to ruin all the smaller points. It all starts in a normal, suburban house just like many others around it, but on this night, it will be much different. As a family sits inside and does their normal tasks, a trio of rednecks prepare to storm in, with not so admirable intentions. The three men break into the house and take the family members hostage, but the sixteen year old daughter manages to evade capture. So she hides to keep from being taken in, while her family is beaten and tortured, for no good reason. As time passes, she decides to stop hiding and take action, in the form of revenge on the attackers. But when it is one young girl against three maniacs, how can she overcome the odds?
I love horror flicks and even when they’re direct to video entries, I usually end up checking out the new releases. I don’t always hold much hope for most of them, but every once and a while, I’ll bump into one that was worth the effort. I have to admit, I wasn’t looking forward to this release much, but in the end, If I Die Before I Wake was much better than expected. Perhaps it was my low expectations to an extent, but I really liked this movie and even with an obvious lack of resources, it turns out very well. This is not a gore loaded flick or even the typical horror movie, but it is eerie and thanks to some horrific moments, it can be very scary also. A very basic, but effective storyline that paints a chilling and realistic picture can, as proven here, still be enough to make a film work. I love gore laden blood fests as much as ever, but every once and again, I like one such as this, where tension and atmosphere drive the horror elements. Artisan has given this title a basic little package though, not much in terms of supplemental material. This one comes well recommended, to those interested in well crafted terror.
This film was written and directed by Brian Katkin, who makes quite a debut here, especially on such a limited budget. Katkin has little in terms of resources, but he makes it all work for him and as such, every dollar seems to have well spent in this case. I think some directors would have doubled the blood and hoped for the best, but Katkin never goes cheap and that adds to the experience. He relies on tension and his performers, who seem to deliver the goods when needed, even if lacking in the overall realm of acting. I was impressed with how Katkin remains in the moment with this film, never bogging things down with development, which isn’t really needed here. This runs under eighty minutes, but Katkin stuffs it with all the needed elements and the movie works out just fine, much better than if it had a more bloated running time. Other films directed by Katkin include The Coroner, Enemy Action, and Hard As Nails. The cast of this flick includes Stephanie Jones (Between Girls, Future Fear), Muse Watson (I Know What You Did Last Summer, All The Rage), and Michael McCleery (Best Laid Plans, L.A. Confidential).
Video: How does it look?
If I Die Before I Wake is presented in a full frame transfer. This was a direct to video release and as such, I saw no framing issues with this transfer. This was a low budget picture and it shows at times, but I think Artisan has done a decent enough effort here. There’s some grain present at all times, but it never distracts much and in the end, adds to the visual atmosphere, at least I think so. The contrast seems in order, but again, the light grain throws off the balance a shade at times. The film uses muted colors and that comes across well, no real complaints here. I know this isn’t as refined as some of the reference level transfers, but given the nature of this movie, I think Artisan has delivered the best edition they were able to.
Audio: How does it sound?
This release uses a 2.0 surround track, which seems to handle the needs of the material without much trouble. This movie is driven by dialogue and background audio, so this mix is adequate, more than effective. The surrounds are used at times to enhance the smaller touches, but not as much as I would have liked. Even so, this track is good enough and even the music sounds good, very eerie indeed. No issues with the vocals either, whether loud or simply background fodder. This film has an unusual audio scheme, but I think this track is more than solid in the end. This disc also includes subtitles in English and Spanish, in case you’ll need them.
Supplements: What are the extras?
This disc includes some talent files, as well as the film’s promotional trailer.
